Colombian Superstar Maluma Recalls Making It, Visualizing His Career

Colombian singer and songwriter Maluma stopped by On Air With Ryan Seacrest on Friday, January 26, and not only made Patty Rodriguez’s day, but also a superfan's named Angela. 

The “Corazón” singer, who was born in Medellín, Colombia, has made his way onto the music scene in America and teamed up with the likes of Ricky Martin, Fifth Harmony, Shakira, Marc Anthony and most recently French Montana on hit “GPS.” 

While helping pull off an epic #KIISCampus, where Ryan helps connect superfans with their idols, Maluma bonded with UCSB student Angela. 

“I grew up listening to Spanish music … so listening to his music now and just being so popular it’s amazing because it seems harder for Latino artists to make it this far and he connects to his roots so much and that means the world to me,” Angela shared after being surprised by Maluma over the phone. 

“I’m the voice of a lot of Latin people who have been working in this world trying to have a chance,” Maluma agreed, “to keep doing it and making it happen.”

The 23-year-old — who is celebrating his 24th birthday over the weekend in Las Vegas and embarking on his second U.S. tour, F.A.M.E — told Ryan that he visualized his success.

“I think that’s one of the key [things] — visualize everything,” Maluma said. “When I started my career I knew all these things that are happening right now were going to happen because I had it in my mind.”

The singer didn’t always have music on his mind though. Prior to being signed by Sony, he was on the field. 

“I used to play soccer … it was very difficult for me because when I went to the studio for the first time I still wanted to play soccer,” Maluma explained. “I was very good,” he shyly — and hilariously — admitted. “I don’t like to talk about myself, but I was good.”

Listen back to their full interview above and watch the video to see Patty melt over her crush 😍